Unfiltered Moments: Bodycam Video Unveils Fatal Machete Standoff with LAPD in Downtown LA

New body camera footage has been released by the Los Angeles Police Department, offering a stark and sobering look into the moments that led to the fatal shooting of a man wielding a machete in downtown LA. The incident, which unfolded on February 19, 2023, tragically ended with the death of 35-year-old Guillermo Arreola, following a tense confrontation with responding officers.

The critical incident began when officers Aaron Perez and Christopher Marroquin, both assigned to the LAPD’s Central Division, responded to a frantic 911 call reporting a man menacingly brandishing a large machete in the vicinity of South Main and East 5th streets. Upon their arrival, the situation quickly escalated. The newly released footage captures the officers' initial attempts to de-escalate, repeatedly commanding Arreola to drop his weapon.

Despite persistent warnings and the officers' efforts to create distance, Arreola refused to comply. The video shows him advancing towards the officers, still armed with the formidable blade, creating an immediate and grave threat. Faced with the rapidly deteriorating situation, officers deployed less-lethal options, including beanbag rounds, in a desperate attempt to subdue Arreola without resorting to deadly force. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful, failing to incapacitate the suspect.

As Arreola continued his advance, officers Perez and Marroquin, perceiving an imminent danger to their lives and the lives of others, discharged their firearms. The shots struck Arreola, who subsequently collapsed at the scene. Paramedics were immediately called, but despite their rapid response and efforts, Arreola succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

This tragic encounter is now under intense scrutiny. The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division has launched a thorough examination of the incident, a standard procedure for all officer-involved shootings. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General will conduct independent reviews to ensure transparency and accountability. The release of the bodycam footage is a crucial step in this process, providing unfiltered evidence for public and official review as the investigation seeks to understand every facet of this deadly confrontation.